Advent

October 3, 2018

21

Advent

Understanding the Catholic Advent Tradition

Advent is the season of new beginnings. A new liturgical year begins on the First Sunday of Advent and it beckons to us with images of transformation and hope. It is the season of the impossible becoming possible. In the scriptures we read of the dry, barren wilderness bursting into bloom; of broken hearts healing; of a barren woman and a young virgin both conceiving children. It is the season of longing and light. Week by week, candles are lit on the Advent wreath signifying our longing for the light of Christ, as the time of his birth draws near. Yet Advent heralds more than Christ’s birth. It paves our way toward celebrating Christ as God-with-us, God in human flesh. This is a profound mystery at the heart of our faith, and it is the cause of our joy at Christmas.

To learn more about this litugical season, watch ‘What is Advent Again?’

There are a number of traditions associated with the Church’s celebration of Advent. Let us explore some of the traditions of the season.

O ANTIPHONS

Among the many wonderful traditions connected with Advent is that of the O Antiphons. They are called O Antiphons because each of the petitions begins with ‘O’ as acry of longing for salvation. This ancient tradition began as early as the seventh century. In many monasteries and parishes the O Antiphons are still sung each night during the seven nights before Christmas and are always proclaimed as the Gospel acclamation on each of those days. The verses of the O Antiphons were put together to make the famous hymn O Come, OCome, Emmanuel. Until the twentieth century, they were always sung in Latin.

Advent Wreath

The custom of lighting an Advent wreath of candles originates in the ancient Northern European custom of having a fire wheel at the winter solstice in December. The fire wheel was lit to celebrate the gradual return of the sun after the shortest, darkest days of winter. Christians adapted this symbol to celebrate the coming of Christ, the light, who transforms the darkest depths of our world.

Many people celebrate Advent by lighting the candles of an Advent wreath each day, accompanied by a prayer. One candle for Week 1, two candles for Week 2, and so on. The wreath comprises three purple candles and one rose-coloured, for the joyful Third Week of Advent. They are set in a circle of evergreen leaves, symbolising God’s endless life and love. A fifth candle, a white ‘Christ’ candle, may be placed in the centre to be lit at Christmas. The gradual lighting of the candles represents the increasing light of Christ as his coming draws near.

JESSE TREE

The Jesse Tree custom is a pictorial celebration of the Jewish history and ancestry of Jesus. Picture-symbols are hung upon a tree, each representing a fragment of the story of the Jewish people leading up to Jesus who is, for Christians, the fulfilment of the prophesies contained in the Hebrew Scriptures. Each person represented by the symbols has, in some way, helped prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah.

The carrying out of this tradition involves obtaining a tree branch or small evergreen tree on which to hang the symbols, and perhaps a brief passage of Scripture related to the person depicted. The symbols may be hung on the tree throughout the season of Advent.

Those represented on the tree include Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel, Joseph (coat of many colours), Judah, Ruth, David, Solomon, Joseph (husband of Mary), the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ her Son.

ADVENT CALENDAR

Another way to mark the days of Advent is to use an Advent calendar. These calendars usually have a door or window to open each day to reveal an image or a prayer. The days of Advent vary each year, so store-bought Advent calendars usually have 24 doors, one for each day in December leading up to Christmas. If you are making your own calendar it may link with the symbols from the Jesse Tree or the prayers for lighting the Advent Wreath. The O Antiphons can also be included in the week leading up to Christmas.

Preparing to Pray during Advent

Preparation for prayer always involves reflection on the scriptures, the foundation of all Christian prayer. The Sunday readings for Advent have been carefully chosen and provide rich imagery for prayer. The voice crying in the ‘wilderness’ features in the readings of Advent. You may wish to prepare a prayer environment that reflects the Australian wilderness, using the russet and ochre colours of the outback. It is important for us to resist the vast amount of ‘winter’ imagery that comes to us from the northern hemisphere at this time of year. We are in the middle of long, hot summer days. So let us celebrate the coming of Christ, the radiant light of the world, into our midst.

Reflect on the lectionary readings day by day. This site is a lectionary resource for Catholics.

Prayer for the Season

Among many wonderful traditions connected with Advent is that of the O Antiphons. They are called O Antiphons because each of the petitions begins with ‘O’ as acry of longing. Each petition finishes with a further phrase of longing for the salvation that only God can give.

Taking Action

During the season of Advent we hear a strong call to action. In the gospels of the first two weeks, John the Baptist cries out, “Stay awake!” and “Prepare a way for the Lord”. We are challenged to be fully aware and to see and clear away the stumbling blocks along the path of life, particularly for those trapped in poverty. As Christians it is our duty to make a straight path for them. In doing so we are making a straight path for Jesus Christ in our midst. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

Take CAPSA’s (Catholic Alliance for People Seeking Asylum) challenge to commit to a Christmas that supports people seeking asylum by doing one thing a day for twelve days.

St Vincent de Paul Society offers two ways for students to participate in the Society’s transformative work. We encourage participating students to live their faith in a three-pronged way: ‘See’ (education and awareness), ‘Think’ (formation and reflection) and ‘Do’ (community service and fundraising).